Iroglobin

Indications

Ferrous Gluconate is an iron supplement used to prevent and treat iron deficiency and iron deficiency anaemia (a low red blood cell count due to lack of iron). It is used when iron needs are higher or intake is low, for example in pregnancy, heavy periods, after blood loss, during growth spurts and in poor diets.

How It Works

Iron is needed to make haemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen around the body. Ferrous Gluconate supplies iron in a form that is absorbed from the gut. Over a few weeks, haemoglobin rises and symptoms such as tiredness, weakness and breathlessness improve. Treatment then continues for some months to refill the body's iron stores. It contains less iron per tablet than some other iron salts and may be gentler on the stomach.

Dosage and Administration

Doses are counted by the amount of elemental iron. For treating iron deficiency in adults, the usual total is about 100 to 200 mg of elemental iron a day in divided doses, or as prescribed; for prevention, a lower daily dose as directed on the label. Iron is best absorbed on an empty stomach, 1 hour before meals, with water or orange juice; if it upsets the stomach, it can be taken with food. Continue for about 3 months after blood levels return to normal, or as your doctor advises. Children's doses depend on weight and should be given as prescribed.

Interactions

• Antacids, calcium, zinc, tea, coffee, milk and eggs reduce iron absorption; take them at least 2 hours apart.
• Iron reduces absorption of Tetracyclines (such as Doxycycline), Ciprofloxacin and other quinolones, Levothyroxine, Levodopa and Penicillamine; separate doses by at least 2 hours.
• Vitamin C may increase iron absorption.

Contraindications

• Iron overload conditions such as haemochromatosis or haemosiderosis.
• Anaemia not caused by iron deficiency, such as thalassaemia or haemolytic anaemia, unless iron deficiency is also present.
• People receiving repeated blood transfusions.
• Allergy to any ingredient.

Side Effects

Common side effects include nausea, stomach pain, constipation or diarrhoea, and dark or black stools (which is harmless). Liquid forms can stain the teeth; drink through a straw and rinse the mouth.

Get urgent medical help if you have severe stomach pain, vomiting blood, black tarry stools with weakness or dizziness (which may mean bleeding), or signs of a serious allergic reaction. If a child swallows iron tablets, get emergency help immediately even if they seem well.

Pregnancy and Lactation

Iron supplements are commonly recommended in pregnancy to prevent and treat anaemia and are safe at the advised doses. It is also safe during breastfeeding.

Precautions and Warnings

• Find out the cause of iron deficiency, especially in men and women after menopause, as it may be due to hidden bleeding.
• Do not take extra iron without advice if you are not deficient.
• Take care if you have stomach ulcers or inflammatory bowel disease.
• Keep out of children's reach; iron overdose is a leading cause of poisoning in young children.

Overdose

Iron overdose is dangerous, especially in children. Early signs are vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach pain and drowsiness, which may seem to settle before serious liver damage, shock and collapse occur. Seek emergency medical help immediately.

Therapeutic Class

Haematinic; oral iron supplement.

Storage

Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children.